Engine overhaeting

[jamal-k]

I own a 2004 V8 4runner. Its mileage is about 38k. I was driving when I noticed the AC blowing warm air. I checked to see if the heater was on, but it was off. I switched off the AC, and drove home. When I turned off the engine, there was this hissing sound(like gas is being released) that lasted about 1 minute, coming from behind the engine. The next morning, I checked the radiator water level, it was quite low. I refilled it and also noticed the coolant container was empty. I cranked the engine(with the radiator not covered) it came on smooth, but within seconds the radiator started foaming. I covered the radiator, drop the bonnet and drove off , the Temp gauge was at running level(i.e. somewhere at the middle). After driving(with the AC on) for about 10mins, the gauge shot up towards the red mark, I turned the AC/ engine off and left it to cool off. When I drove off again, it took about 2mins and the gauge was rising again. I noticed that if I Moved faster, the gauge came down.
I would like to get some expert advice on what the problem might be and what solution to proffer.
Thanks in anticipation

 

[TRDCal]

I don't have much experience with the 4runners cooling system, but I would say that if going faster makes the engine run cooler, than it's your cooling fan or related component that has failed.

BTW that hissing sound is just your radiator cap releasing excess pressure from the overheated system.

 

[goohead]

You have a leak somewhere.

Pressure test the system u can rent the tool from advance auto or similar store.
Pressurize the system and look for leaks.


You might also have a bad thermo and/or radiator cap.

And worst cast you warped your head by driving while overheated, if your gauge goes higher than in the middle turn on the heat, which will release extra coolant from the heater core and help vent the heat.

I would

Pressure test the system, then do a block test and go from there. Gl

Ps only buy Oem cap and thermo. toyota are built way better than 95% aftermarket crap and I work in the aftermarket automotive field.

 

[black_120]

start with the themostat its cheap. Might as well flush and fill the radiator at the same time. If that doesnt help, there's the clutch fan, radiator, or maybe water pump.

Is there oil in the coolant? Check under the oil cap and radiator cap when the engine is completely cold. If there is any milky white residue you've got bigger problems than the cooling system.

 

[aha2988]

I had a similar issue last summer, i pulled into a bank teller line while sitting and waiting my turn the a/c began blowing warm air i was like wtf. then noticed the temp gauge rising. i nursed the truck through the teller line and got on to the open road and got some air flowing through the radiator. The truck began to cool down. i was like ok cool got to the next stop light and it started to heat up again. i pulled into the closest advanced auto parts store and bought a new thermostate its like three nuts on the top front of the motor super easy to get to just have to let the engine cool and loose a little coolant. put the new thermostate in and added coolant. Drove off and no issues since, I've since then flushed and replaced the coolant. I wouldnt think its your clutch fan typically when they go out they just run continuously kind of a fail safe until the contiunous running of the fan throughs the clutch bearings out and it becomes unbalanced then you have to replace it lol. it could be a water pump issue but at 38k miles thats weird. I'd susspect thermostate first as long as the thermo gauge didnt stay in the red for more than a few seconds or maybe a minute or two you should be fine as far as any warpage concerns go. also if you've ever drivin through any mud its a good habit to flush the radiator finns out with a garden hose helps the air flow through and cool better. hope you get it fix yo!!!

 

[jwyshrek]

Did the rest of the world get the VVTi V8 one year before we did? (here in the states)

 

[im4u2nvss]

Did the rest of the world get the VVTi V8 one year before we did? (here in the states)

x2? Wondering the same thing.